Nuggets playing well despite 'Melo drama

Monday

Jan 31, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly

PHILADELPHIA - The Denver Nuggets have been dealing with a big distraction since training camp. Star forward Carmelo Anthony, who can become a free agent June 30, has made it known that he wants to play elsewhere. He has had a three-year, $65 million extension on the table for months.

Anthony appeared headed to the Nets in a three-team deal two weeks ago, but it was never finalized. The rumblings, which the Knicks also figure prominently in, remain and will probably continue through the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Yet Denver went into Sunday night's game at the Wells Fargo Center having won three straight and with a 28-18 overall record.

"Our team laughs about and jokes about (the distractions)," Nuggets head coach George Karl said. "In general, it has not had a big effect on our basketball, which is a compliment to our players. We've had a good season so far through a tremendous amount of drama. That can sometimes take teams away from playing well. We've had some games where we were distracted, but for the most part we're at a very good place."

Been there +

Sixers coach Doug Collins knows how Jim O'Brien feels.

The Pacers fired O'Brien on Sunday after Indiana had dropped seven of its last eight games.

"It's a tough business," Collins said. "I hear people saying he's still getting paid, but that doesn't take away the sting. We're all competitors. We all love the job. We love to teach. There's a bond that coaches have. It's a lonely feeling.

"I'm always very sympathetic for coaches. I went through it three times in my life (with the Bulls, Pistons and Wizards) and I understand what it feels like. Even if you go on and great things happen for you, there's always that pain."

O'Brien compiled a 121-169 record in 3 1/2 seasons with the Pacers. Indiana, which didn't make the postseason during that time, is 17-27 this year.

O'Brien guided the Sixers to a 43-39 record and a playoff berth in 2004-05, but was fired because he alienated nearly everyone in the organization during that one season. The Sixers had to pay O'Brien for the following two years.

"Obie's one of the smartest guys I know in basketball," Karl said. "But there's no question that when teams struggle, there's someone that has to take the fall. The head coach is usually that guy."

Tom Moore can be reached at tmoore@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Tom at twitter.com/tmoorepburbs.

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